The Australian War Memorial has decided not to meet with secular and non-religious community leaders and veterans to hear their concerns about the domination of the Anzac Day Dawn Service by Christianity.

Early last month, the Rationalist Society of Australia wrote to the Director of the War Memorial, Matt Anderson, seeking an opportunity for secular and non-religious community representatives and veterans to meet with him and his staff.

In reply, a spokesperson for Mr Anderson said the Rationalist Society of Australia’s representations were “well understood” and, as such, a meeting would “not add benefit at this time”.

“Planning for this year is well advanced, with the format of the events approved by Council last year,” the spokesperson said.

“The Council of the Australian War Memorial is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs of the Memorial. There is a diverse range of views on all topics represented on Council. We also engage regularly with veterans and current serving members.”

In December, the War Memorial confirmed that the ACT Returned & Services League (RSL) branch would continue to be responsible for hosting the Dawn Service at the Canberra venue, despite community concerns about the RSL imposing several acts of exclusively Christian worship, including Christian hymns, a Christian dedication and benediction, and the Lord’s Prayer – all presided over by a Christian chaplain.

The ACT RSL told the ACT Human Rights Commission last year that the Christian nature of the Dawn Service was not discriminatory because the content was “well known and has been broadcast for many years”. The ACT RSL even suggested “numerous alternative services” were available for people who felt excluded and discriminated against.

It is not known whether Christianity will dominate this year’s service, as the War Memorial is yet to publish the official Order of Service on its website.

An online petition calling for the War Memorial to take full responsibility for the commemoration and to stop imposing Christianity on Australians has collected more than 1000 signatures since late February.

Many veterans have since come forward, sharing their experience of feeling alienated by the religious nature of Dawn Services across the country.

Last year, Mr Anderson told the Rationalist Society of Australia that the War Memorial had raised the concerns with the ACT RSL and said “traditions move slowly”.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying and advocating for secular reform of the Defence Force and military commemorations. See the latest updates here.

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Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.

Photo by Hannah on Flickr (CC)